Distribution and variation in mulberry germplasm

A total of 183 mulberry germplasm resources have been collected through 13 explorations covering 38 districts in 13 states and one union territory to assess their variability. The wild collections of Marus serrata were confined to North West India. M laevigata and Malba are available mostly in cultivated forms. The natural resources of M laevigata in North East had a wide variation. The natural genepool reserves of M laevigata with large tree population at Lamia bay, Doomarnalli, Havelock and John Lawrence Islands (Andamans) are identified and reported for the first time which serve as new locations of mulberry resources availability. The extent of variation in the developed genepool reserves at Central India and introduced European mulberry varieties in tea/coffee estates in Kerala in South India were identified. The variability of the Marus germplasm collected, its scope of utilization and necessity for long term conservation have been stressed.